My two other female guinea pigs (PC and PS3) were laid-back and immediately accepted her. She came from a very crowded cage of about 7 others. When I placed her in the enclosure, she happily explored. Within hours, she was zooming around. She seemed caffeinated with joy. And then, I looked at my computer screen, the ebook of Java the programming language that I was reading was active. Java! That's her name.
Java seemed happier in her new home. Even though she seemed like a third wheel (because the two other cavies were bonded), she did not mind. She would stand on her hind legs during veggie time. She also learned her name quickly. When I called her name, she would come to the edge of the enclosure. Also when floor time or bed cuddle is over, I would call her, "Come Java!" and she would run and put her two front feet on my palm. She knew it was her ride back home.
One night, I took her to the bathroom with me and put her on a shelf. She was so cute that I decided to pinch her right cheek, and then, the other cheek. I noticed she would sway her head to offer her cheeks being pinched. That's when she learned "Cute! Cute!". I would pinch her cheeks over and over, and she would play along with it.
As the years have passed, Java trusted me more and was less skittish. Her two other cage mates have passed away and she only had Rogue as a companion. Java did not like Rogue when I first introduced them. It took months for them to get along. When my partner and I got married, we moved to Jersey City. And during the move, each of them had their own small box and Java would jump to Rogue's box. That's when I knew that they finally became the best of friends.
In the spring of 2017, we had a health-scare from Java, she became frail and weak. I hand-fed her and gave her vegetables. The following day, she was up and running again. It was then that we decided to get a third guinea pig that we named Dalek. Unfortunately, over a month later, Rogue died from a heat stroke.
Java was becoming less active but more affectionate. You could tell that she really appreciated the petting, cuddling and whenever we gave her vegetables. By the end of the year, her movements were slower because of aging. Unfortunately, on the morning of January 4, she passed on while my partner and I and Dalek were next to her.
I haven't cried since my first guinea pig PC died. Even though, I was really sad when the two other guinea pigs passed, I was only teary eyed. Java was probably the most interactive guinea pig I've ever had and I loved her for that.
Most people are turned off by skittish guinea pigs because they don't get the immediate feedback and obvious affection given by a dog. But if you are patient, you can tell that guinea pigs do love their owners in their own little way. The last few years of Java's life, I could tell that she loved us a lot. Even during her last breathe, she tried to face me instead of away, not like what dying pets usually do.
I've had her since she was 4 weeks old to almost 6 years. She was with me in three different apartments and from being single to being married.
Thank you for the memories Java! We will miss you! You mattered!
